Issue Date:  -  Monday, 22 August 2005

DIY plumbing earns landlord a conviction - John Mason

A private landlord who disconnected his tenant’s hot water system and fitted another has been fined $500 with $193 costs in the Perth Magistrates Court.

John Charles Mason of East Cannington was found guilty of undertaking plumbing work without being a licensed plumber. The result of his work also contravened Australian and New Zealand standards.

“It is very important that only appropriately licensed and qualified people carry out specialised work such as replacing hot water systems,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

“Personal safety and even lives can be put at risk when amateurs pick up their tools and undertake work they are not entitled to do”, he said.

Tenants who have concerns about the suitability of work undertaken by their landlords should contact Consumer Protection for advice and assistance on telephone 1300 30 40 54 or by email consumer@docep.wa.gov.au .